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Health
Matters,
by Leslie Bek
Healthy
opportunity knocking in Marquette
Opportunity is knocking. And it’s been said that opportunity only
knocks once. In the case of an opportunity to meet and learn from local
holistic health practitioners, the once-a-year knock is happening this
month.
If you are someone who seeks a greater role in managing your personal
health or information that will help you obtain and maintain the state
of wellness you desire, mark March 10 on your calendar. Opportunity
is knocking.
The door is at NMU’s University Center Great Lakes Rooms from 10:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 10. Admission is $2—a small price to
pay for knowledge that just may change your life.
The event is the eighth annual Holistic Health Fair, and is sponsored
for the second year by Integrative Health Resources (IHR), a collaborative
of local holistic health providers. Their mission is to provide integrative
educational and health-related services that enhance the achievement
of optimal health.
The health fair emphasizes holistic theories and modalities of treatment.
Holism emphasizes the importance of taking into consideration the whole
body in one view and acknowledging the interdependence of its multiple
systems. Holistic theories assert that individual components in a system
can not exist apart from the system which makes up the whole.
Holistic medicine is defined by the Canadian Holistic Medical Association
as “a system of health care that fosters a cooperative relationship
among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the
physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.”
Two distinguishing characteristics of holistic medicine are the focus
on education and taking personal responsibility for efforts to achieve
balance and well being.
Holistic medicine has been used by millions of people throughout the
ages and in cultures around the world to manage the effects of chronic
diseases and psychological disorders, treat symptoms of illnesses, maintain
weight, prevent communicable disease and improve overall health.
In learning about holistic health, there is a purpose in acknowledging
other terms associated with holistic medicine. The following definitions
are provided by the Canadian Holistic Medical Association:
• Alternative Medicine refers to methodologies that currently
are not accepted by conventional practitioners. Like any field related
to the study of human health and how to improve it, what is accepted
is changing quickly. Even the definition of conventional practitioners
is emerging. Therefore, practices that now are considered part of alternative
medicine soon may be considered part of conventional medicine.
• Complementary Medicine often is used by conventional medical
practitioners to refer to noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical techniques
used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. Proponents
of complementary medicine believe that a healthy lifestyle together
with an appropriate mix of noninvasive and non-pharmaceutical healing
techniques can treat both acute and chronic illnesses successfully.
In other cases, conventional medicine only is needed in emergencies
or when the safer noninvasive, non-pharmaceutical methods fail. In still
other cases, conventional medicine could be a major part of a holistic
healing plan, while sometimes it is not needed at all.
• Natural Healing commonly refers to the use of noninvasive
and nonpharmaceutical modalities to help heal the patient. The term
Natural Healing also generally refers to physical healing practices
only.
At the Holistic Health Fair, visitors will find information and demonstrations
of natural methods and products for healing that are representative
of several holistic modalities. Examples include massage, movement-based
therapy, reflexology, herbalism, naturaphy, thermography, energy health,
aromatherapy, chiropractic and nutrition.
There is a concept known as the “Ideal Natural Foods Diet.”
This diet encourages an individual to seek basic nutritional knowledge
and combine it with a greater knowledge of oneself. These resources
are used together to determine what foods are right for them.
Nutritionists and other professionals can provide the guidelines, resources
and meal planning and preparation techniques. Therapists and practitioners
provide guidance in modalities such as meditation or yoga to assist
in getting in touch with inner feelings. This greater sense of self
leads to a greater ability to determine what foods the body needs. Just
like snowflakes, no two humans are exactly alike.
Modern technology, science and conventional medicine alone do not have
all the answers and they are not meant to, nor do other methodologies.
It is doubtful that there will ever be any one stand-alone, one-size-fits-all,
right method. But what does remain at the center is individuals who
continue to have questions and desires to take a more proactive role
in their self-care.
If you miss the fair, then create your own opportunity and knock on
the door of IHR by calling 226-9301. IHR also sponsors educational programs
at 7:00 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at the Peter White Public
Library. You just might find what you’re looking for behind their
door.
—Leslie Bek
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